Interview Roman Muska, Prague Convention Bureau: “Prague is more attractive than ever for MICE”

Roman Muska, Managing Director, Prague Convention Bureau talks in exclusivity to TravelMole about MICE perspectives and development for Prague.

After years of relative calm, Prague seems to be changing fast. What’s new?

Roman Muska- For almost 20 years, very little happened in terms of major construction. Prague is a historic city, so development was naturally cautious. But over the past five years, things have accelerated dramatically. We’re seeing large metropolitan plans move forward and, most importantly, the conversion of brownfields—many of them surprisingly close to the wider city center. Entire districts are being reshaped with new residential areas, offices, hotels, and public spaces.

Does this signal a broader rethink of how Prague positions itself as a destination?

Yes, very much so. Prague is no longer presented only as a UNESCO-listed historical jewel. That heritage remains essential, but the city is now adding a modern layer: contemporary architecture, revitalized districts, and new urban experiences. This modern touch was something Prague was missing for a long time.

Which areas best illustrate this transformation?

Prague District 7 is a prime example. We’ve talked about the Prague Exhibition Grounds, where major investments are underway. Some projects involve historic buildings being reconstructed, others focus on vast former industrial zones that are now being fully redeveloped. Another milestone: two new railway stations have recently opened—something that hadn’t happened in four decades.

These stations are also planned stops on the future direct airport rail link. Construction is underway. The official target is around 2030, but even if it slips to 2031 or 2032, the key point is that it’s happening. That alone is a major shift for Prague.

Let’s look at the MICE industry. What’s changing there?

There is a total rethinking of what MICE can bring to Prague And how Prague is adapting to that sector. I think, the city is more attractive than ever to MICE organization.

First, Prague Airport has ambitious development plans over the next decade. While capacity will increase, the main focus is comfort and flow—how passengers move through the airport. This matters greatly for business travelers. The airport is also prioritizing long-haul connections, where Prague is still below pre-COVID levels, even though around 75 airlines currently serve the city and connect it to more than 170 destinations.

How about venues for meetings and events?

The city of Prague owns the Prague Exhibition Grounds and is investing heavily there. Its historical flagship building—the largest on the site—is currently under renovation and is scheduled to reopen in September next year. It will be a multi-functional venue, ideal for large conventions, corporate events, and gala dinners. While combining historic architecture with state-of-the-art technology. This Central Hall alone previously held around 1,700 to 1,800 people in theater style, and the two wings are even larger. Hosting more than 1,000 guests for a seated gala dinner in a single room will then be possible—something Prague has lacked until now.

Is Prague also planning a new or expanded congress center?

There are long-term plans to expand the Prague Congress Centre. Recently, the city of Prague took full ownership and will act as the main investor. While details are not yet finalized, we expect concrete news next year. If all goes well, construction could begin within about three years.

Private investment also seems strong, especially in hotels.

Very strong. Prague has around 45,000 hotel rooms. The number will grow slightly, but the bigger shift is qualitative. The city’s strategy is to attract higher-end clientele.

We were missing top-tier luxury brands in the past. That’s changing with hotels like Andaz, the newly opened Fairmont (the former InterContinental), and other upscale additions backed by significant local investment. We’ve also seen major Czech investors acquire and upgrade landmark properties like the Hilton Prague, the Four Seasons, and the Diplomat Hotel. Local confidence in tourism—especially MICE—is clear. These investors believe in Prague’s future as a meetings destination.

Over-tourism in the historic center remains an issue. How is Prague addressing that?

There are several approaches. One is discussing adjustments to city taxes to reinvest in infrastructure. Another is encouraging development outside the core historic areas. The key is repeat visitors—people who’ve already seen Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. For them, we need to offer new neighborhoods and experiences.

Which districts could benefit most from this strategy?

Again, Prague 7 stands out, with plans including a new Czech Philharmonic building and the transformation of large brownfields near new rail infrastructure. The Prague Market in Holešovice, also city-owned, is part of a 10- to 20-year redevelopment vision.

Prague 5 is another hotspot, with hotel projects around former railway areas. Even central zones like Masaryk Station are being reinvented, including a striking new building by Zaha Hadid Architects and pedestrian zones built over rail tracks.

How was this year for events and meetings overall?

We don’t have final statistics yet, but we expect results similar to last year, which was very strong. While we haven’t fully matched the record number of meetings from 2019, tourist arrivals are already back at pre-COVID levels. Demand is there, despite geopolitical uncertainties.

Do conflicts in Europe still affect overseas organizers, especially from the U.S.?

At the beginning of the war in Ukraine, yes, there was concern. Over time, the impact has softened. Prague continues to attract business from key markets like the U.S., Germany, and the UK. Flight connectivity and geopolitics remain crucial factors, especially regarding Asia, but overall sentiment is cautiously positive.

Finally, what are your expectations for next year?

With a crystal ball, I’d say continued growth—if nothing dramatic happens geopolitically. The world has, to some extent, adapted to ongoing conflicts. If stability holds, Prague is well positioned to benefit from new infrastructure, new venues, and a stronger, more diversified destination image.